Lead TIG Welder (1st & 2nd Shifts)
Company
Freeform
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Job Type
Contractor
Salary
45–55 an hour
Posted
12 days ago
Via
LinkedIn
Apply On
Job Description
LEAD TIG WELDER (1ST & 2ND SHIFTS)
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
As a Lead TIG Welder, you will work closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams to fabricate high-precision stainless-steel tubing and structural assemblies used throughout our next-generation metal 3D printing systems. You will perform high-quality TIG & MIG welds on thin-walled pipes, tubes, and custom fixtures that supports our internal factory infrastructure. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, takes pride in craftsmanship, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where quality and reliability matter.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
• TIG/MIG welding thin-walled stainless steel tubes, pipes, and other various structures using Miller Syncrowave 180 TIG Welder/ Millermatic 355 MIG Welder
• Use of fixturing equipment such as magnetic and corner clamps
• Use of fabrication equipment including miter saws, band saws, and grinders
• Welding structures for the worlds highest throughput metal 3D printing system
Basic Requirements:
• 5+ years of TIG/MIG welding experience
• Experience welding stainless steel
Preferred Skills and Experience:
• 7+ years of TIG/MIG welding experience
• Experience with precision welding
• Experience welding in an aerospace environment
• Experience welding thin-walled pipes, tubes, or other various structures
• Ability to perform other fabrication duties in the machine shop if interest / time permits
Location:
• We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises.
What We Offer:
• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
• We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
• Benefits
• Significant stock option packages
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
• Life insurance
• Traditional and Roth 401(k)
• Relocation assistance provided
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
• Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
• Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
• Compensation
• As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
• In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated pay range for this role is $45-55/hour, with compensation expectations outside of this range taken on a case by case basis.
• Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
As a Lead TIG Welder, you will work closely with our engineering and manufacturing teams to fabricate high-precision stainless-steel tubing and structural assemblies used throughout our next-generation metal 3D printing systems. You will perform high-quality TIG & MIG welds on thin-walled pipes, tubes, and custom fixtures that supports our internal factory infrastructure. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, takes pride in craftsmanship, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where quality and reliability matter.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative individuals who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
• TIG/MIG welding thin-walled stainless steel tubes, pipes, and other various structures using Miller Syncrowave 180 TIG Welder/ Millermatic 355 MIG Welder
• Use of fixturing equipment such as magnetic and corner clamps
• Use of fabrication equipment including miter saws, band saws, and grinders
• Welding structures for the worlds highest throughput metal 3D printing system
Basic Requirements:
• 5+ years of TIG/MIG welding experience
• Experience welding stainless steel
Preferred Skills and Experience:
• 7+ years of TIG/MIG welding experience
• Experience with precision welding
• Experience welding in an aerospace environment
• Experience welding thin-walled pipes, tubes, or other various structures
• Ability to perform other fabrication duties in the machine shop if interest / time permits
Location:
• We are located in Hawthorne, CA in a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility featuring large open spaces for team collaboration, R&D, and production, as well as easy access to the 405, 105, and 110 freeways. Our facility is in the heart of Los Angeles' vibrant emerging tech ecosystem alongside many other high growth startups and enterprises.
What We Offer:
• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
• We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
• Benefits
• Significant stock option packages
• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
• Life insurance
• Traditional and Roth 401(k)
• Relocation assistance provided
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
• Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
• Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
• Compensation
• As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
• In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated pay range for this role is $45-55/hour, with compensation expectations outside of this range taken on a case by case basis.
• Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
What is the median hourly wage for welders in the United States as of 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is $27.50 as of May 2026. The 10th percentile earns $18.75 per hour while the 90th percentile earns $38.20 per hour in the same period.
How many hours per week can welders legally work before overtime applies in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Department of Labor requires overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek for non-exempt welders under the FLSA as of 2026. Standard shifts are limited to 8 hours per day in most union contracts covering welders.
What education and certification are required to qualify for welder jobs in the United States in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that a high school diploma plus a 6-12 month postsecondary welding certificate is the typical entry requirement as of 2026. AWS D1.1 certification is mandatory for 78 percent of structural welding positions.
Which documents are needed to apply for welder positions through official U.S. government workforce channels in 2026?
Applicants must submit Form I-9, state-issued photo ID, and Social Security card to DOL-registered employers as of 2026. Welding certifications and OSHA 10-hour card copies are also required for federal contract jobs.
